Change In Schindler's Perspective On Life example essay topic

Compiled March 14, 2003, by Dale Cowling Introduction: This report is the result of a close investigation into the understandings of the topic 'changing perspectives'. The report is also deeply concerned with the aspect of 'change' and what certain texts have to say about it. Within this report the text that will be analyzed is the films, "Schindler's List". Schindler's List: Directed by Steven Spielberg in June 1993.

Overview of film: Set in war affected Poland during World War two, 'Schindler's List' presents the viewer with the indelible true story of the enigmatic Oskar Schindler, a member of the nazi party, womanizer and war profiteer who saved the lives of more than 1,100 Jewish people during the holocaust. The film outlines the triumphs and sacrifices of one man who made a difference by changing his overall perspective on life, from money to human sympathy. The film also outlines the dramas of those Jews who survived against all odds in one of the darkest chapters in human history because of what Schindler did. What it has to say about change: The whole overall aspect of Schindler's List is to portray and reflect on the good deeds and sacrifices one man, Oskar Schindler made to help his fellow man. Spielberg uses black and white images to give the film the realistic feeling of a film during that era. The limited use of coloured images lets that image be more imp active and meaningful.

The aspect of change is very identifiable throughout the film. The film almost entirely takes on the aspect of change and represents it in a detailed yet easy to understand way. Oskar Schindler arrived in Cracow, Poland, at the beginning of the German occupation. His first effort as shown in the film, was to benefit from the misfortune of the Jews who had recently been prohibited by law from owning a business. As an added incentive for them to invest in his new business, he offered to give jobs working at his factory for those who chose to invest and their families. This first view of Schindler is one of a greedy, money hungry man trying to seize any opportunity that comes across, even if it means feeding on the misfortunes of other people.

But what we begin to realize is that that is not the case. The use of the up-close camera work used allows for the viewer to see and feel the emotions personally present in the film. For years the relationships between Schindler and his Jewish workers were cautious. But as the situation for the Jews in Poland worsened, the workers at Schindler's factory noticed that they were somehow protected, And this is where the change in Schindler's perspective on life took place. After the evacuation of the Jewish people from the Ghetto, which resulted in hundreds of Jewish people killed, Schindler started to realize himself that his factory was a kind of 'haven' for the Jewish people.

The use of dialogue helps outline Schindler's personality and objectify the aspect of change. Schindler's political views and his charming personality made him popular amongst the nazi officials, which in turn allowed him to get a hold of anything or anyone he needed. Schindler kept telling the German officials that he knew how to get work out of the Jews and that he wanted more brought into his factory. In this way he managed to bring into the factory, and in turn save, many Jewish people. Schindler's acts of kindness and courage helped save lives on a daily basis. Silence is used throughout the film effectively as it keeps the viewer in suspense, and allows the viewer to focus on the images being presented.

The sound effects used give the movie everything but a surreal fell, it helps strike fear in the hearts of the viewer as the sound of gunfire is heard or the sound of the demoralized and dehumanized voices of the Jewish people, outlining the horrors of which Schindler has saved these people from. Conclusion: From watching Schindler's List I have came to the conclusion that change can be for the good as well as the bad. That people are capable to anything they put their mind to as shown by Oskar Schindler in the time of major oppression. The change in perspective that Oscar Schindler took on as a kind of 'liberator' was definitely one for the better, as it did not only save The Jewish peoples lives it helped secure his life as well. As the fall of the nazi regime took place, certain nazi extremists were executed, while others were put on trial and either incarcerated or executed.

By not involving himself in the persecution of the Jews, Schindler sealed his fate as he was hailed a 'hero'.